The big 2-3!

Guess what today is?? That's right my blog friends, it's my 23rd birthday!

Due to my mild obsession with anything to do with cooking/baking, I decided I wanted to make my own birthday cake this year. I combed through recipe upon recipe until I found the perfect one- I give you the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Cake.

I did a slight variation on the recipe because not everyone in my household like peanut butter and I don't need a whole peanut butter cake all to myself haha. So without further ado, let the salivating begin..


Ingredients:

1 box of devil’s food cake
3 eggs
1 c of buttermilk
1/2 c of vegetable oil (I used applesauce)
3 c of chopped up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (divided 2 c/1 c)
8 oz of dark chocolate, chopped
1 c of heavy cream
3/4 c of peanut butter (smooth)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350.  Spray two round 9 inch cake pans with non stick spray (I also lined the bottom of my pans with wax paper if you care to do that as well).

2. In your stand mixer with the paddle attached, mix the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk and oil/applesauce for 1 minute.  The increase the speed to med/high for 2 minutes.  Fold in 2 c of the chopped peanut butter cups by hand.  Pour 1/2 of the batter into one pan and then repeat with the second pan.  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

3. Let the cakes cool completely before removing.

4. In the meantime, chop up your chocolate bar or chips (whatever you’re using) and set aside in a bowl.  In a small sauce pan heat the heavy cream until it starts to boil.  Remove from the heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until it is completely melted.

5. Add the peanut butter to a bowl and microwave for 1 minute.  Set aside.  Add your first cake layer to your decorative dish.  Pour the peanut butter over the top of the first cake (layer in between). Then place the second cake over top.  At this point you will pour the melted chocolate over top and let it drip down the sides.  Then you will top the cake and sides with the remaining 1c of chopped peanut butter cups.  Enjoy!

For my variation, I put the batter into a 9x13 inch pan and baked it as directed. When it came out, I let it cool for about 15 minutes, then I poked holes in the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon. I filled half of the holes with the chocolate ganache and half with melted peanut butter. Then I topped the whole cake with the remainder of the ganache Reese's peanut butter cups (just on the side with the peanut butter).

MMMM.

I am SO excited for this cake you guys. I don't know how I am going to be able to wait until after dinner ;) Tonight is going to be fabulous, my whole family, including RJ, are going out to dinner at one of my favorite local spots that caters to a healthier crowd. The food is organic and everything is homemade from scratch. YUM!

See ya on the flip side with a recap!!

What is your dream birthday cake?